A disease in dogs resembling human pemphigus vulgaris: case reports.

A pemphigus-like disease occurred in 5 dogs. The canine disease closely resembled pemphigus vulgaris in man and was characterized by ulcerative lesions in the oral cavity, on the skin, and at mucocutaneous junctions. Histologically, the first sign of the disease was disappearance of the intercellular bridges in the lower epidermis. The resulting acantholysis was diagnostic for pemphigus. Antibodies to the intercellular space substance were detected by immunofluorescent staining in serum of 4 of the dogs. High doses of corticosteroids were effective in controlling the disease.